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View a Featured Ad at the End of this Email. May 21, 2021

I. State Issues II. Federal Issues III. 2020 Annual League Conference IV. Also of Interest

Municipal Clerks: Please forward to your Mayor, Governing Body, and Department Heads.

To assist in providing guidance and information we have created a COVID-19 resource page. We will continue to update the page as we get pertinent information and include announcements in our Daily Updates.

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I. State Issues a. COVID-19 Weekly Update

This week Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 240, which extends the public health emergency for additional 30 days as well as Executive Order 241, which eliminates the outdoor mask requirement. In signing the public health emergency executive order, the Governor noted he is working with Senate President Sweeny and Assembly Speaker Coughlin on legislation that will allow the public health emergency to expire. In addition, the Governor announced various incentive programs to encourage residents to get vaccinated.

COVID Data for May 21, 2021:

 698 new positive cases for a total of 885,291 confirmed cases  17 new confirmed deaths for a total of 23,410 confirmed deaths  The rate of transmission is at 0.47  1,263 cases linked to 281 school outbreaks since August 2020  8,268,420 vaccine doses have been administered, including 4,721,918 who have received at least one dose and 3,850,808 who are fully vaccinated. 54% are Pfizer, 42% Moderna, and 4% J&J.

Vaccine Information

This week the Governor announced several new vaccination incentives as part of Operation Jersey Summer. The new programs, detailed below, include Vax and Visit with the State Park Pass, Uncork the Vaccination, and Dinner with the Governor and First Lady. In addition, the State has launched “Grateful for the Shot” vaccination events to reduce vaccine hesitancy.

As a reminder, all six of ’s COVID-19 vaccine mega sites continue to offer walk-in vaccinations. A person does not need an appointment to get vaccinated nor do they need to be a resident of a specific county to get vaccinated at the mega sites. The FEMA Vaccination Center in Newark will offer walk-in vaccinations every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while the remaining five mega sites have set aside certain hours for walk-in vaccinations.

In addition, homebound residents who have not yet connected with their local health department, or a home health agency, and who need an in-home vaccination should visit www.covid19.nj.gov/homeboundvax or contact the call center. The Department of Health will follow up with them to assist in connecting them with a vaccine provider.

As a reminder anyone 16 and older living, working or studying in New Jersey is eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. The State hotline 855-568-0545 continues to assist residents, with live agents from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The agents remind residents that there is no out- of-pocket expense to get vaccinated and that the two vaccines are not interchangeable. The State continues to encourage the general public to pre-register for eligibility for the vaccine online. Individuals will be permitted to input their personal, contact, health insurance, and demographic information. Those who are immediately eligible based on screening questions will be able to schedule an appointment.

Executive Orders

Executive Order 240: Extending the public health emergency for additional 30 days. The Governor has noted that his “…Administration is working closely with Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Coughlin on legislation that will allow the public health emergency to expire, but ensure that we have the necessary tools and flexibility to continue the fight against the pandemic, including the vaccination efforts that are our highest priority. By working together, we are confident that we can move to the next phase of our recovery effort."

Executive Order 241: Eliminating the mask requirements in outdoor public spaces, which was established under Executive Order 163 (2020). The order notes that outdoor public spaces do not include child care centers, other child care facilities, youth summer camps, and public, private, and parochial preschool program premises, and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools. Current recommendations and requirements regarding masking in those settings will remain in effect. In addition, any masking requirements for outdoor spaces in healthcare settings and at congregate facilities, such as long-term care facilities and State correctional facilities, will remain in place.

Dinner with the Governor and First Lady

Beginning May 19, individuals age 18 or older who have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination in New Jersey since the roll-out of the state’s program in December, can enter to win dinner along with a guest with Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy. The winner will have the choice between dinner at , the official Governor’s residence located in Princeton, or the Governor’s residence in Island Beach State Park. Entries must be submitted by May 31.

Grateful for the Shot Vaccination Sites

The State has partnered with New Jersey faith leaders to bring vaccinations to congregations in targeted communities and municipalities over the next several weeks. It was announced starting today through May 23, 14 houses of worship across the state will host community vaccination sites to encourage COVID-19 vaccines.

Vax and Visit with the State Parks Vax Pass

Beginning Thursday, May 27, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will offer a free State Parks Vax Pass under the new “Vax and Visit NJ ” campaign to all New Jersey residents who receive at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccination by July 4, 2021. The State Parks Vax Pass, which will be of the same value as the Annual State Parks Pass, will allow free access to all of New Jersey’s 51 State parks and forest facilities that charge daily walk-in or parking fees, from Thursday, May 27 through December 31, 2021. New Jersey residents who have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be able to request a State Parks Vax Pass upon entry at any one of the state’s 51 parks. The Department of Environmental Protection will also provide refunds to residents who already purchased Annual State Park Passes this year and have been fully vaccinated.

Uncork the Vaccination

In partnership with the Garden State Wine Growers Association, New Jersey residents ages 21 and over who receive their first COVID-19 vaccination in the month of May can visit one of New Jersey’s participating wineries and receive a free glass of wine. Uncork the Vaccination participating wineries include , Auburn Road , , DiMatteo Vineyards, Salem Oak Vineyards, , , Villa Milagro Vineyards in Pohatcong, and White Horse Winery.

Shot and a Beer Vaccine Incentive Program

In partnership with the Brewer's Guild of New Jersey, the State has launched the "Shot and a Beer" program to encourage eligible residents 21 and older to get vaccinated. Any resident who gets their first vaccine dose in the month of May and takes their vaccination card to a participating brewery as proof of vaccination will receive a free beer, courtesy of the participating brewery. This program will end on May 31, 2021.

Unemployment Information

Earlier this week the Department of Labor announced the launched of “SkillUp New Jersey” a free virtual training program to assist jobseekers in upgrading their skills and train for certifications. Department of Labor will be sending information on the program directly to all current unemployment claimants. However, any New Jersey resident can register for the tool, which is free for 180 days.

Contacts:  Mike Cerra, Executive Director, [email protected], 609-695-3481, x120.  Lori Buckelew, Assistant Executive Director, [email protected], 609-695-3481, x112. b. Senate Committee Advances Bill Requiring Regional Approval of Large Warehouse Developments

Yesterday, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee advanced a committee substitute for S-3688, legislation that would require a regional economic impact report and allow review by adjacent municipalities for certain proposed retail warehouse developments.

Under the bill, a municipality would be required to notify adjoining towns with a “notice of regional impact” when an application is filled to build a retail warehouse, allowing the neighboring communities to adopt a resolution of “regional concerns,” which would entitle them to have their objections addressed by the host community and proposed developer, at a hearing to be held by either the county planning board or the State Planning Commission.

The League provided the Committee with a letter outlining several concerns and issues with the proposal. The committee amendments make significant changes to the legislation, which appear to add some additional concerns. The League is reviewing the new language and will provide additional information and analysis regarding the bill and the committee amendments early next week.

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, [email protected], 609-695- 3481, x137. c. Cannabis Regulatory Commission Seeking Input from Municipal Representatives

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) will be holding its next meeting on June 1, 2021 at 12 p.m. The CRC is seeking input from municipal representatives about the emerging cannabis industry. At this meeting the CRC is asking for input from local officials as it develops its regulations on licensing, local approval, health, and safety.

Anyone wishing to speak at the CRC meeting must register to do so by emailing [email protected], with the subject line “June 1 Speaker.” Include in the body of the email: your full name, phone number, and the name of your affiliated organization if applicable.

Those wishing to submit written comments can do so by emailing them to [email protected] with the subject line “June 1 Written Comments.”

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, [email protected], 609-695- 3481, x137. d. Legislation to End COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Stalls

Earlier this week, the Assembly Appropriation Committee considered just introduced legislation that would provide for the termination of the public health emergency declared by the Governor to address COVID-19 pandemic. A-5777 would expire most of the Governor’s COVID-19 related executive orders within 30 days. However, the Governor and his administration would be permitted to issue orders, directives, and waivers related to (1) vaccination distribution, administration, and management; (2) COVID-19 testing; (3) health resource and personnel allocation; (4) data collection, retention, sharing, and access; (5) coordination of local health departments; and (6) implementation of any applicable recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent or limit the transmission of COVID-19, including in specific settings.

The bill was scheduled to be considered by the full Assembly on Thursday but prior to the voting session Assembly Speaker Coughlin postponed the vote “in order to refine it so it is the fairest and most responsible bill possible.” The Senate companion S-3820 was introduced on Thursday without committee reference and can be considered by the full Senate at their next scheduled voting session.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Assistant Executive Director, [email protected], 609-695- 3481, x112. e. Assembly Approves EV Charging Station Bill

The Assembly, on Thursday, passed Assembly Committee Substitute for A-2108 & A- 5032, which the League opposes.

The bill would make an application for development submitted solely for the installation of electric vehicle supply equipment or make-ready spaces a permitted accessory use and permitted accessory structure in all zoning or use districts of a municipality. The bill would also require the Department of Community Affairs to adopt a “model ordinance” regarding EV charging structures, using a process outside of the traditional rulemaking process, thereby removing any requirement for public input or comment. This model ordinance would become effective in all municipalities.

The measure now goes to the Senate, who has already passed their own version of the bill, but must now concur with Assembly amendments before it can be placed on the governor’s desk for his action. While the League is cognizant of the benefits promised by the electrification of the transportation system and the need for the requisite infrastructure to realize these benefits, we do not believe that this legislation provides an appropriately balances means for achieving these ends. We continue to try to work with the legislature to make amendments to address our concerns.

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, [email protected], 609-695- 3481, x137. II. Federal Issues a. NJLM Hosts American Rescue Plan State and Local Funds Guidance Webinar

Today the League hosted a webinar to provide guidance on the U.S. Treasury Interim Final Rule to implement the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund and the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The application portal for municipalities with a population above 50,000 is open. U.S. Treasury expects to list the allocation amounts for municipalities with a population less than 50,000 soon. These municipalities will receive their funds unencumbered within 30 days of receipt from the state.

The webinar will be posted next week for viewing. In the meantime, the League’s recent blog post and Treasury FAQ’s go into greater detail for allowable uses, prohibited uses, and other specific formulas and questions.

Contact: Paul Penna, Legislative Analyst, [email protected], 609 695-3481, x110.

III. 2020 Annual League Conference a. It’s Not Too Late!

We hope that the NJLM Virtual Conference allowed you to look back and forward on the challenges of the day, be it the COVID-19 pandemic, social and restorative justice or how to balance the competing interests in preparing for your 2021 budget. While we expect to be back in-person in Atlantic City in 2021, the virtual conference offers a unique benefit. The content of the approximately 80 programs and 145 virtual exhibitor booths will be available on-demand through October 31, 2021.

Anyone who is registered can simply log in to the Conference website to view any of the programs or visit any of the exhibitor booths. And for those who did not attend, it’s not too late. We will continue to accept registrations for access to the Conference site. Those who register now will not be able to apply for CEUs but will have full access to all programs and exhibit booths. And please continue to visit the exhibitors who chose to support the 105th Annual Conference by stopping by their booths. You can contact exhibitors directly with any questions or comments by simply using the “Request Information” button on each booth. This will generate an automatic email to the exhibitor and they will contact you with a reply.

IV. Also of Interest a. 2021 Planning and Redevelopment Conference

New Jersey communities are struggling with a multitude of economic, social, and environmental challenges. Join hundreds of New Jersey professionals, elected officials, and community activists at the 2021 Planning and Redevelopment Conference on June 10-11 hosted by New Jersey Future and APA New Jersey, as we restart, recover, and reimagine land use in a rapidly changing and post-pandemic environment. b. National Brain Tumor Awareness Month

May is National Brain Tumor Awareness month. Currently there are an estimated 700,000 people in United States living with primary brain tumor and approximately 85,000 more will be diagnosed in 2021. Please consider adopting a resolution proclaiming May 2021 Brain Tumor Awareness Month in your municipality.

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